Community clubs drive Canberra's sports facility momentum

The reopening of AIS Arena after a four-year closure, alongside construction starts on several new venues, is strengthening the foundation for Canberra's community sport movement. These developments follow the 2025-26 ACT Budget commitments and directly expand options for local participants.

Key venue investments underway

The AIS Arena has reopened following a $15 million federal government upgrade, its largest refurbishment in 43 years. Construction has also begun on the $9.9 million Gungahlin tennis facility, scheduled for completion in September 2026 with 10 full-sized courts and two Hot Shot courts. The ACT Government has committed $37.5 million to expand Belconnen Basketball Stadium, adding three indoor courts and an 1,800-seat show court. A new 3,600-capacity Canberra Arena ice sports facility is planned for Tuggeranong in Greenway, funded with $16.2 million and featuring two international-standard ice sheets plus Australia's first dedicated curling sheets. Additional playing fields and a pavilion are included for Taylor, along with the first stage of Stromlo District Playing Fields in Molonglo.

Links to local programs and leagues

These facilities align with existing community structures that already serve thousands of participants. Urban Rec Canberra runs 10-week inclusive seasons for soccer, touch football, netball and pickleball at venues across the city. Canberra High School operates an Athlete Development Program for Years 7-10 students in athletics, basketball, netball, soccer and volleyball at Aranda Oval and school facilities. School Sport ACT organises representative pathways, while Canberra Grammar School requires all students in Years 3-10 to compete in at least one core sport each year. University of Canberra UC Stars clubs and ANU mixed social leagues add further options for football, netball, rugby and basketball.

Pathways for participation

Over 200,000 Canberrans hold membership in at least one community club, with aggregate memberships exceeding 500,000. Residents can join Urban Rec Canberra seasons, enquire about school or university programs, or contact Capital Football, ACT Rugby Union and Cricket ACT for structured community leagues. Details on facility access and upcoming community bookings are available through ACT Government sport and recreation channels.